Springfield, Ill. - Rodger A. Heaton, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, announced that a federal grand jury today returned a two-count indictment charging David Haynes, 33, of the 1900 block of Taylor Avenue, Springfield, Illinois, with drug and firearms offenses under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

The indictment alleges that Haynes possessed five or more grams of crack cocaine with intent to distribute on March 10, 2008, in Springfield. At the same time, the indictment alleges Haynes possessed two loaded guns, a .357 revolver and a .22 caliber revolver, despite having been previously convicted of a felony offense. According to the indictment, Haynes has prior felony convictions for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

If convicted of possession with intent to distribute five or more grams of crack cocaine, Haynes faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison; the penalty for possession of a firearm by a felon is up to 10 years in prison.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative in cooperation with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.